About Mrs. Barnes, our Art Teacher
Mrs. Barnes is our talented and dedicated art teacher at Gus Garcia YMLA. She inspires students to explore their creativity, develop their artistic skills, and express themselves through a variety of mediums. With her guidance, students not only learn the technical aspects of art but also gain confidence and a deeper appreciation for visual expression. Her passion for teaching and the arts makes her a valued member of our school community and a source of inspiration for all her students.
Mrs. Barnes: cierra.barnes@austinisd.org
Fall Events
Annual Peace Poster Competition
So far, YMLA is the only middle school that has been asked to participate in the Annual Peace Poster Competition, hosted by the Austin Area Lions Club! This is a unique and special opportunity that our young men have to share their ideas about peace through art, creativity, and imagination while representing our school and community.
Awards:
-
First Place: $100
-
Second Place: $50
Students are encouraged to create posters that reflect their personal vision of peace and what it means to them, showcasing both their artistic talent and leadership. Winning entries will receive recognition for their creativity and positive message—bringing pride to themselves, their families, and our entire school.
Typically, the final submissions are due by October 31. Students interested in participating should contact Mrs. Barnes in the art room for guidance and inspiration.
Learn From Past Winners:
At Gus Garcia YMLA, we believe in celebrating creativity, leadership, and community engagement. Let your voice be heard through your art—this is your chance to inspire others and leave a lasting impact on our campus!
#YMLAPride #PeacePosterCompetition #GusGarciaCreativity
Winter Showcase
On Monday, December 9, Gus Garcia YMLA will proudly present its annual Winter Showcase! This exciting event will have performances from our talented Guitar and Orchestra students, along with an Art Exhibit featuring creative works from our Beginner Art and Advance Art classes. Guests can look forward to an evening filled with beautiful music, stunning artwork, festive spirit, and artistic expression as our students share what they’ve been working on throughout the semester.
Families and community members are invited to join us in celebrating the arts, our students’ hard work, and the vibrant creativity that thrives at Gus Garcia YMLA.
Spring Events
JR VASE Competition!
In April, our talented students will participate in the JR VASE (Junior Visual Arts Scholastic Event) Regional Competition! This exciting event gives young artists the chance to showcase their original artwork, receive feedback from judges, and compete at a regional level. JR VASE celebrates creativity, technical skill, and artistic expression, while recognizing the dedication and hard work of our student artists.
We are incredibly proud of all participants and look forward to seeing them represent Gus Garcia YMLA with talent, confidence, and pride.
Learn From Past Winners:
Their achievements highlight the exceptional creativity, skill, and dedication fostered in our art program and serve as an inspiration for current and future students to pursue their artistic passions and strive for excellence.
Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating the next generation of Gus Garcia YMLA artists!
Fine Arts Festival
On Thursday, May 16, Gus Garcia YMLA will host its annual Fine Arts Festival! This celebratory event will showcase the incredible talents of our students across music, visual arts, and other creative disciplines. Guests can enjoy performances from our band, orchestra, and guitar students, as well as view artwork from our Art Showcase. The Fine Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity for families and community members to come together to celebrate our students’ hard work, creativity, and dedication throughout the year.